Pennies for Patients Forget what you can get and see what you can give. By: Itzel Chavero, Diana Gonzalez, Wendy Quizhpi, & Giselle Zamora

Lorca is hosting its second year for Pennies For Patients. As you may know, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s premiere school and youth program allows students to raise funds and awareness of blood cancers. Last year, we raised over $6,000 and this year we aim to try and double that amount.

You may wonder, why are we even fundraising for this cause in the first place? Leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children and young adults under the age of 20. It is estimated that six people every hour (that’s 148 people

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Holiday Gift Ideas

Don’t know what to get a loved one for the holidays? Pg. 9

Reminiscing with Rodenburg An exclusive interview

of Mr. Rodenburg. Pg 5

POLL: Where in Chicago should

we go? See Pg. 9

DONATE TO CLASSROOM BOX

Each homeroom has a donation box.

BRING IN PERSONAL COLLECTION BOX

You probably got the tiny box you can turn in.

Volume 3, Issue 1 December 2016

Lorca Life

every day) die from blood cancer. As a school, we would like to decrease those numbers and the one way is to collect those pennies to help others in need.

Once we have collected all the money, that money goes to the best of the best researchers who work around the clock looking for a cure. The money goes to finding new and better blood cancer therapies with fewer side effects. Today, almost ONE MILLION people are heroically battling a blood cancer while they rely on research to find their cure. Many of these heroes are infants and children. So let’s do our best and start collecting your PENNIES!

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 DECEMBER 2016

Get ready to read all about Lorca’s 2nd Annual Winter Social in the next issue!

“A Night Under The Stars”

Happy Holidays! from the

7th and 8th Grade Team

Multi- Cultural Event Lorca Celebrates Diversity By: Aylin Cortes, Natalia Lazarini, & Karina Rodriguez

Viva México, viva Colombia, viva Puerto Rico! and viva Lorca! Lorca’s 4th Multi-Cultural Event took place on Saturday, November 19, 2016. The gym was decorated with lively colors representing different countries. The event started off with a flag parade in the gymnasium with people cheering joyfully for their country of origin.

The first country to perform was Ecuador. The first dance actually told a story with the dancer’s movements especially the men, but when the women came in that changed. They started to spin their partner and the dance would change and the story was over. The second dance was a solo. The woman danced gracefully on the stage. After the dance as she was coming off the stage, it looked like she got emotional, but her peers hugged her and gave her a pat on the back for her amazing dance.

The second culture was Spain. The performers representing Spain were Mr. Lopez and Ms. Daisy Malave. It was a fast dance that looked complicated and tiring. Mr. Lopez got really into the dance. Ms. Daisy moved with the rhythm and she flaunted her long skirt. The second group representing Spain was a dance group from Christine Beldepio's School of Dance. It was a dance group of three women wearing long red and black dresses. They looked calm and graceful on stage. They created a rhythm through clapping and stomping and mixed the rhythm of the song and the rhythm they made together which made the song more intense.

The third country to perform was Venezuela. The performers representing Venezuela first was Lisset Giron and Jose Carrero. Jose was dressed in a white dress shirt and khakis. Lisset was dressed in a white traditional shirt and a long blue skirt. They did a dance that wasn’t that complicated, but looked amazing. Lisset would use her long skirt every time she turned or did any spinning, she looked amazing.

After Venezuela, Cuba took the stage. Cuba was represented by a group of little kids, three girls and three boys. Their dance was more complicated. They did flips and because they were younger it was adorable and cute. The crowd loved seeing the little kids be so passionate about dancing.

After Cuba, Mexico startled the crowd. The first performance was Rocio Perez. She sang a song called “El Odio No Llega.” Her voice was amazing a she sang with such passion and strength. While she sang, the crowd sang along with her. The second group to represent Mexico was Flor de Corazon. They danced a lot of songs. It was a group of girls and boys. The girls wore different color skirts and the men wore traditional Mariachi attire. The girls started dancing first, using their long skirts to their advantage. They twirled and spun making their skirts make beautiful circles. The second dance they did was a partner dance that was graceful and looked complicated, but exhibited such dedication and energy. The people loved the performance.

India came next. The women representing India was Farhana. She danced along to a song. She was passionate, and she danced so fast. She let her movements tell the story of the song.

To cap off the show, a group of little girls representing Africa dazzled the audience. They danced fast with many flips. They carried each other and they amazed the crowd with their flexibility.

After all the performances the people went to the cafeteria to eat. The cafeteria was decorated with different color streamers, which have remained to this day. The people lined up to try different types of food and drinks from many different cultures. They played music and the kids in student council started dancing. The event kept going even after we left but in our opinion the event was a complete success.

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Reminiscing with RodenburgWhat makes Lorca's most Supportive Teacher tick? By: Kevin Camacho and Willian Guallpa Q- Why is it that you prefer teaching older kids?

A- I intended to teach high school students, but I didn't want to teach a little kid to be a student but [I wanted to] teach kids [to use] curiosity like young adults [and] how to use what we learn at school in the real world and what hard work can do.

Q- When did you want to become a math teacher?

A- I always wanted to become one. I thought I would use my business degree but wanted to teach math so bad.

Q- Is there any other subject that you would want to teach?

A- I’ve thought of teaching economics, P.E and social studies.

Q- What motivates you to put in extra time for your students?

A- When a student does well or feels good on his or her work, I feel as good as they do. I remember how it was like as a student and get an A [and] it makes me feel good to do that for kids.

Q- How was your first year teaching at Lorca?

A- It was wonderful. I was nervous at the beginning, but I started at the same time as Ms. Rollins and all the teachers were so nice. So I knew I will be starting my career with amazing people.

Q- Last year, did you believe that you could pull off the play? Why or why not?

A- I have never done one before but didn't want to make a sucky play. The acting of the students was amazing. I realized to get it right would take a long time.

Q- How were you as a student yourself? Did you take school seriously?

A- I did take it seriously.

Q- What kind of things in life do you regret?

A- When I had chances I didn't take. Also not going the state of Illinois for college.

Q- What was your craziest experience while working at Lorca?

A- When two students made me and Mr C. a powerpoint and played it at the lock in. It was very touching.

Q- How long have you been teaching? What other schools did you work at?

A- I worked at Alexander Dumas for 3 years and this is my sixth year at Lorca. In total I have 9 years of teaching.

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Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Room!By: Cesar Montoya Now, you may be thinking this article is going to be all about a huge problem that no one wants to talk about. However, it’s the holiday season and who has time for drama? No, no, this article is all about the crafty game dubbed “White Elephant.” So, you may be wondering what a “White Elephant” is. Is it an elephant that is white? Well no, but it is a fun game that you, your family, or your friends can play. The way it works is that you bring an item of your choice (anything that you don’t really care about for example). The point of the game is for no one to know what they will get when they choose a gift, leaving the excitement and fun to what’s inside.

Here are the rules of the game:

1. Have an item that you wish to add to the white elephant game (even if it is a trick, like a box of coupons). The point is to bring in an gift that is funny or cheap or not wanted. Last year, I ended up with a POTATO! Definitely not on my wish list, but still pretty hilarious!

2. Wrap the item in gift wrapping paper so the item can’t be seen (ask parents for help).

3. No need for name-tags because you do not want others to know who brought what gift.

4. Bring the gift to the place where you will have the “white elephant” game, do not tell anyone what the gift is.

5. Create slips of paper that are numbered depending on the amount of gifts there are (or people who brought a gift). For example, if there are ten gifts, you will need ten slips numbered 1-10.

6. Put the slips into a container like a box or jar.

7. Have everyone take a number, the person with the lowest number goes first, then continue on from lowest to highest.

8. The person with the lowest number selects a gift from the pile.

9. The next person (#2) goes next. They can either steal the gift from the first person or choose another from the pile.

10. If they choose to steal the person who had their gift stolen, selects from the pile.

11. The person with the next slip (#3) goes next. They can steal from any of the first two people or select a gift from the pile. If they steal, the person left without a gift can steal from the other person or select from the pile.

12. The game continues all the way like this until the last person’s turn.

For every round, a maximum of the 3 steals can occur. For example, if it is the 7th person’s turn and they steal an item, the person they stole from can then steal. That person can steal next if they so choose. However, the next person has to choose from the pile.

Lastly, a gift cannot be stolen directly after it was stolen. For example, if Person A steals from Person B, Person B cannot steal directly back. However, if Person A steals from Person B and Person B steals from Person C, Person C can then steal from Person A. At that point, no more steals for that round

Enjoy seeing what everyone gets inside the gifts and hopefully you’ll like it.

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A Little Bite of Sweetness for You!

By Iliana Hernandez

We all love sweets, there is no denying it, and what else is better than a 4 layer ice cream cake! With the holidays coming up this would be a delicious treat.

For the four different layers you will need: Brownie layer box of brownie mixture Two eggs ¼ cup of water ½ cup of vegetable oil Cookie dough layer; 1 stick of butter (melted) ⅓ cup of brown sugar ¼ cup of white sugar 2 tablespoons of milk ½ teaspoon of vanilla 1 and ¼ cup of flour ¼ teaspoon of salt 1 cup of mini chocolate chips Oreo layer; 1 package of Oreos Ice cream layer; 1 gallon of cookies ‘n cream ice cream Toppings Hot fudge Crushed Oreo

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit

2) Grease a 9” pan with cooking spray or butter

3) In a bowl mix all the ingredients for the brownies until they are well combined. You will only need half the batter and will need to bake according to the package directions. Once done let it cool.

4) While it cools you will need to prepare the cookie dough. Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, milk and vanilla then stir. Add the flour and salt until combined. Once done you will need to fold in the chocolate chips.

5) Once done you will need to press the cookie dough in an even layer to the bottom of a pan.

6) On the top of the cookie dough you will have to add a layer of Oreos. Then drizzle with hot fudge.

7) Once done you will add the first layer of the cookies ‘n cream (½ of the gallon). Spread in an even layer. Cover it with plastic wrap and freeze for an hour.

8) Once the hour has passed you press the brownie on top of the first frozen ice cream layer.

9) Then spread the rest of the ice cream on top in a even layer.

10) Top it with crushed Oreos and then drizzle with hot fudge. Once done cover it once again with plastic wrap and have it back in the freezer for 6 hours or overnight. Once done it's ready to eat.

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LAS PALMAS Review By Maranyeli Bussi and Jillian Loebbaka

Lorca students, may I introduce you to Las Palmas Mexican restaurant. A restaurant located in 3243 N. Pulaski Rd 60641, Avondale neighborhood. This restaurant is open to the public from 11:00am to 10:00pm, Monday through Sunday. This restaurant deserves 4 out of 5 stars. The restaurant has a refined taste, but I believe that a little bit of salt can be added to the food. I really enjoyed the service that was given to me; the waiter was really nice and described to me how the food tasted. In other words, she was very patient. Also, the restaurant was cleanly and inviting; it looked clean and well taken care of. I ate authentic Mexican food such as tacos and thoroughly enjoyed them. I encourage all Lorca students to go out and have an experience at Las Palmas!

All I Want for Christmas Christmas is supposed to be the the best time of the year, but is it for you when it comes to buying gifts for friends, and family? We're here to give you a hand and provide you with ideas for this Christmas season. They don’t have to be to be expensive gifts they can simply be small things that could be really useful to some people, it's the thought that counts!

By Kearston Loebbaka, Dafne Mancilla, and Prea Silao

Here are some gifts that goes for anyone and everyone… • Pencils with cool patterns around them. Everyone always needs a pencil especially these kinds! • Some fuzzy socks! It’s starting to get cold and it will be useful for those Winter days. • Handmade Christmas cards because it’s always nice to give someone something handmade • A mug or cup. • A small teddy bear! The person will always remember who's it from. • Chocolate or candy because everybody has a sweet tooth! • Stickers! • Different flavors, or kinds, of ChapStick for winter. • Headphones/earplugs to listen to music. • Scented markers. • A phone case. • Hats

We hope this gave you an idea of what to buy family or friends this Christmas year!

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Where in Chicago Should We Go? By Elvis Olivares

Did your teacher ask you where you wanted to go on a Field trip? Well, that was so Student Council could get an idea of where Lorca students want to go. It is very clear that out of all the places that they were asked to go, these Lorca students chose to go to our amazing downtown. Is it really a wonder? With all the buildings, new and old, it still is a spectacular sight to see. Everyone has been there at least once, whether it be Maggie Daley Park, Millennium Park or in any of the many, many skyscrapers that make Chicago as famous as it is. One thing is certain, however, we should expect a field trip to at least one of these places for the students at Lorca. As 5th and 6th grade teacher Ms. Morgan said, “They just went to the Field Museum and went to the MSI last year.” Going downtown is something that will be new every time you go.

Students Have A Voice and a Choice By: Wendy Quizhpi and Giselle Zamora

Beginning on Thursday December 1st, Student Council began its elections. Lorca will be using the democratic process to elect new members for the 2016-17 school year. Students will be able to vote for the student they think will best suit each position. The four different offices consist of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The elected president will be in charge of running student council. She (only two girls are running) will be the one creating the agenda that will be discussed during each of the student council meetings. The Vice President will be the person who is in charge of assisting the President. They will both be working together when it comes to running student council. Next comes the Treasurer. S/he will be in charge of handling our budget keeping track of the finances. S/he will handle events such as fundraisers and will budget our money when it comes to big events. The Secretary, who will be in charge of taking notes during student council meetings and providing them to each student council member so that they are all aware of the events and what we they are doing.

All of the candidates running for office will be participating in an assembly which takes place on Friday December 9. The Elections will be on December 13, the results will being given out shortly after the December 15th Winter Social. Look to our next issue to see the election results!

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Monthly Horoscopes By: Mia Mendoza and Morgaine Rivera

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Aries: March 21 - April 19

Compatibility: Aries- Aries get along with Leos, Sagittarius, Gemini, and Aquarius

Monthly Horoscope: This month is the time to check off all your things to do on your to do list. Also, Aries are impulsive, so be cautious with your decisions and think before you act.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

Compatibility: Taurus- Taurus get along with Virgos, Capricorns, Aquarius. Cancer, Pisces

Monthly Horoscope: This month will go by smoothly for you. You will achieve all goals made due to your determination.

Gemini: May 21 - June 20

Compatibility: Gemini-Geminis get along with Aries, Libra, Aquarius, Pisces, and Leo Monthly Horoscope: It’s likely you have lost a friend this month due to your ambitions; however, don’t change them. Luck is coming your way soon, alongside success.

Cancer: June 21 - July 22

Compatibility: Cancer- Cancers get along Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus, and Virgos

Monthly Horoscope: For Cancers, this month you have done something you’re proud of. You may give- but don’t give too much. It will be taken for granted. Although don’t give too little. Have faith in yourself.

Leo: July 23 - August 22

Compatibility: Leo-Leos get along with Sagittarius,Aries,Gemini, and Libra

Monthly Horoscope: This month has been terrible for you. You sense betrayal, but you still try for yourself. Do not give in. The Leo has a large amount of persistency for a reason! You will be given relief very soon.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

Compatibility: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces

Monthly Horoscope: This month will be pretty boring for you- except for the holidays, of course. Will little issues here and there, you’ll make it just fine throughout December.

Libra: September 23 to October 22

Compatibility: Libras get along with Leos, Aries, Gemini, and Sagittarius.

Monthly Horoscope: This whole month will go by smoothly and with little or no stress. You can relax this month- but do not take advantage of it.

Scorpio: October 23 to November 21

Compatibility: Scorpios get along with Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn and Pisces.

Monthly Horoscope: This month will go by in a whirlwind of stress, and frustration. You have been feeling tired but hopeful it will all get better. It will! Be patient.

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

Compatibility: A sagittarius is compatible with Aries, Gemini, Leo, and Libra.

Monthly Horoscope: Play your words very careful this month. This month will be very hectic for you, but you will pull through it. You’re feeling weary, but determined.

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19

Compatibility: Capricorns get along with Taurus, Leo, Virgo, and Pisces.

Monthly Horoscope December is a capricorn’s lucky month. However, do not leisure too much,. Hard work and devotion is the key to success this month

Aquarius: January 20 to February 18

Compatibility: Aries, Gemini, Leo and Libras

Monthly Horoscope: Late nights and tired mornings have been common for you. It won’t get easier, but you’ll get stronger.

Pisces: February 19- March 20

Compatibility: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, and Scorpio

Monthly Horoscope: The month of December is a hectic and wild ride for a pisces. You’re always busy, however, you aren’t exactly complaining about that. Inspiration will come your way.